PlainRecalls
ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported September 26, 2018

Leica M525 F20 Surgical Microscope System

The firm received complaints that the instrument tipped over when the swing arm was fully extended.

Recall #
Z-3175-2018
Affected scope
160 units
Initiated
September 4, 2018
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with FDA Devices →
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Leica Microsystems, Inc. recalled Leica M525 F20 Surgical Microscope System - a moderate-severity action.

Leica M525 F20 Surgical Microscope System was recalled by Leica Microsystems, Inc. in September 26, 2018. Reason: The firm received complaints that the instrument tipped over when the swing arm was fully extended.. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-3175-2018 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

Leica Microsystems, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-The firm received complaints that the instrument tipped over when the swing arm was fully extended..

Moderate
severity level
160 units
affected scope
Class II
classification
September 26, 2018
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-3175-2018 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-3175-2018) was formally reported on September 26, 2018, with the manufacturer initiating the action on September 4, 2018. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Leica Microsystems, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Buffalo Grove, IL. Federal records list the affected scope as 160 units.

The documented reason for this recall is: The firm received complaints that the instrument tipped over when the swing arm was fully extended. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: US and Canada. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Medical Devices recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 40,422 medical devices recalls on record

-1,00001,0002,0003,0004,0005,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,256
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

160 units

Related Recalls

6

0 from same agency

Product description

Leica M525 F20 Surgical Microscope System

Reason for recall

The firm received complaints that the instrument tipped over when the swing arm was fully extended.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Severity class Moderate (Class II)
Status Terminated
Recall number Z-3175-2018
Date reported September 26, 2018
Date initiated September 4, 2018
Recalling firm Leica Microsystems, Inc.
Firm location Buffalo Grove, IL
Affected scope 160 units
Distribution US and Canada

Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Scale of Impact

160 units units affected - limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) ✓ This recall
Multi-state (10K – 100K units) -
Large-scale (100K – 1M units) -
Massive (≥1M units) -

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration filings.

What to do with this recall

Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.

  • Check the recall number (Z-3175-2018) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status with FDA Devices before acting, recall details can be updated.
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official FDA Devices record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Leica M525 F20 Surgical Microscope System. Recalled by Leica Microsystems, Inc.. Units affected: 160 units.
Why was this product recalled?
The firm received complaints that the instrument tipped over when the swing arm was fully extended.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on September 26, 2018. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-3175-2018.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: US and Canada.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-3175-2018) against your product. Visit the official FDA Devices website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device?
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: FDA Devices, reported September 26, 2018. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.